Tragedy Strikes NOUN As Bursar Marafa Is K!lled In Zamfara

The Bursar of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Mallam Nasiru Gusau Marafa, has reportedly been shot dead by gunmen in Zamfara State.

The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday, September 6, 2026, while Marafa was returning from Gusau, the Zamfara State capital.

NOUN Registrar and Secretary to the Governing Council, Oladipo Ajayi, announced the development in a statement issued on Sunday on behalf of the university’s Governing Council, Management, Senate, staff and students.

According to the university, Marafa’s death was sudden and untimely, with the institution describing his passing as a major loss to the NOUN community.

Ajayi described the deceased as a distinguished colleague, dedicated administrator and valued member of the university family, noting that he served the institution diligently and held several positions of responsibility during his career.

The university expressed condolences to Marafa’s immediate family, relatives, friends, colleagues and other members of the community affected by his death.

NOUN said details concerning the burial would be communicated after the family provides the necessary arrangements.

Marafa was appointed as the university’s bursar on September 17, 2022, for a five-year tenure that was expected to run until September 2027.

The university prayed for the repose of his soul, asking Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus, while also seeking strength and comfort for his family, colleagues and the wider NOUN community during the period of mourning.